Marvin Hall, Reggie Davis get reps at returner, as receiver battle continues to heat up

The receiver battle unfolded during the Falcons' first preseason game against the Dolphins.

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. -- With a room full of talent from top to bottom, the battle at the receiver spot is about as competitive as it can get.

And after the special teams performances of Reggie Davis and Marvin Hall on Thursday night, the competition appears to be getting even more intense.

Both Hall and Davis have made notable plays at receiver throughout training camp, but that’s not all that will be taken into consideration when coach Dan Quinn and general manager Thomas Dimitroff are evaluating.

Special teams value is how the receivers could separate themselves from one another, according to Quinn.

After Andre Roberts’ first 39-yard return, Hall and Davis were the other two receivers to see time at returner. At 5-foot-10, 190 pounds, Hall believes his biggest strength is his speed and that was certainly apparent at Hard Rock Stadium. The receiver returned four kicks for 88 yards and one punt for 26 yards in his first preseason game with Atlanta. He also caught four passes for 23 yards.

Hall said he is ready to make the most of his opportunities, wherever they are and whenever they may be.

“I love returning,” Hall said. “I’ll do whatever I can to make this team. I feel like I can definitely make an impact in the return game, I just have to continue to get better.”

Davis got involved on offense early on, catching three passes for 43 yards. He then got a chance to return a punt which would have been a solid return if not for a penalty that negated the run.

The former Georgia Bulldog says the skills that he possesses can help him especially in the return game.

“I feel like my skillset can help me do that and coach (Keith) Armstrong is a great return coach. He’s real critical on details and working with him is just going to make me a better player – a better specialist. I feel that I can really help the team if that’s what they want me to do. I’ll do whatever they want me to do.”

Quinn said the team is “a long way” from deciding where they are with the wide receiver group, but he is pleased with the way these players compete.

“Each of them had their opportunities to make some plays and we’ll go back and look at it tonight,” Quinn said. “We’re certainly a long way from deciding where we are at with that group, but I do like the way they compete.”